The Friend

Joakim Zander delivers another "compelling, timely, and character-centered thriller" (Booklist) in this riveting story of international espionage. November 2015. Jacob Seger arrives in Lebanon eager to make the most of his internship at the Swedish embassy in Beirut. But when he meets the handsome and mysterious Yassim at a glamorous party his first night in the city, he is swept up into a passionate, obsessive affair that renders everything else in his life insignificant. When terrorist claims against Yassim are brought to light, Jacob must confront his role in a complicated game he is wholly unprepared to play. Unsure who to believe or trust, he knows only that he must flee Beirut—and fast. Meanwhile in Sweden Klara Walldeen returns to the Stockholm archipelago to bury her beloved grandfather, her best friend Gabriella by her side. What should be a trip of mourning and solitude quickly turns perilous, however, when Gabi is arrested under suspicion of terrorist activity. After finding notes in Gabi’s purse about a clandestine meeting with a young Swedish diplomat, Klara springs into action, determined to clear her friend’s name. Following Gabi’s trail, Klara comes face-to-face with Jacob, as well as with George Loow, a suave lobbyist from her past to whom she finds herself inexorably drawn. Now Klara, George, and Jacob set off on a race across Europe to stop a pending terrorist attack—and get to the bottom of Yassim’s true identity. A gripping international thriller, perfect for fans of Homeland . Trust. Betrayal. Conspiracy. Jacob Seger is a trainee diplomat who dreams of changing the world. But on his first posting, in Beirut, he meets a handsome stranger at a party and is swept up in a passionate, obsessive, affair . His relationship with Yassim eclipses everything – until one day Jacob recognises his own face in the newspaper. He is wanted on terrorism charges. Has Yassim set him up? Is he now a pawn in a murderous plot? Jacob is being pulled into a dangerous and complicated game . He needs to learn the rules, and escape Beirut – and he needs to do it fast. At once a moving love story and a gripping adventure, The Friend is an intelligent, urgent thriller that casts light on the dark threats facing the world today. WORLDWIDE REVIEWS FOR JOAKIM ZANDER: 'Fresh, raw and exciting' Sunday Times (UK). 'A thriller of rare ambition' Daily Mail (UK). 'Gripping and urgent' Irish Independent (UK). 'Timely and relevant' Literary Review (UK). 'Both forceful and subtle... Powerfully orchestrated tension set against a strong dose of social commentary' Independent (UK). 'An absorbing thriller in a complex world of spies, politics, terrorism and assassination... Excellent' The Times (UK). 'A multi-layered thriller full of style, drive and immediacy' Göteborgs-Posten (Sweden). 'Wonderfully written... A superb thriller' Metro (Croatia). 'Intrigue, action and adrenaline mixed to perfection' Librería Reconquista (Spain). 'A terrific page-turner rich with complex conflicts and a big, meaty, chillingly credible conspiracy' Chris Pavone (USA). 'A riveting thriller with a great plot. What more can you ask for?' Lokalavisen (Denmark). 'An explosive, thrilling dance fuelled by authenticity' Il Giornale (Italy). 'A multi-layered, action-packed thriller' Dorstener Zeitung (Germany). What should be a trip of mourning for Klara Walldeen to bury her grandfather with her friend, Gabriella, quickly turns perilous when Gabi is arrested under suspicion of terrorist activity. After finding notes about a clandestine meeting with a young Swedish diplomat, Klara is determined to clear her friend's name. Meanwhile, Jacob Seger, an aspiring diplomat, arrives in Lebanon ready to embrace his future, starting with an internship at the Swedish embassy in Beirut. On his first night, he meets the handsome and mysterious Yassim. Their relationship ignites into a passionate affair that renders everything else in Jacob's life insignificant. But when terrorist claims against Yassim are brought to light, Jacob is faced with an impossible decision and must confront his role in a complicated game he is wholly unprepared to play. Following Gabi's trail, Klara comes face-to-face with Jacob, whom Gabi was trying to help, as well as George Loow, a lobbyist from her past to whom she finds herself inexorably drawn to. Now Klara, George and Jacob set off on a race across Europe to stop a pending terrorist attack and get to the bottom of Yassim's identity A gripping international thriller, perfect for fans of Homeland.Jacob Seger arrived in Lebanon with a head full of dreams.This is his first job in the world of international diplomacy, and he's determined to change the world. When he meets the handsome, soulful Yassim at a glamorous party, his happiness is complete.But three weeks later, Jacob recognises his own face in the newspaper. He is wanted on terrorism charges. Has Yassim set him up? Is he now a pawn in a murderous plot? Jacob doesn't know who he can trust. Only that he needs to flee Beirut – and fast.At once a moving love story and a gripping adventure, The Friend is an intelligent, urgent thriller that casts light on the dark threats facing the world today.WORLDWIDE REVIEWS FOR JOAKIM ZANDER:'An absorbing thriller in a complex world of spies, politics, terrorism and assassination ... Excellent' The Times (UK). 'A... Jacob Seger arrived in Lebanon with a head full of dreams. This is his first job in the world of international diplomacy, and he's determined to change the world for the better. When he meets the handsome, soulful Yassim at a glamorous party, his happiness is complete. But three weeks later, Jacob recognises his own face in the newspaper. He is wanted on terrorism charges - apparently he is plotting attacks on Stockholm, London, Brussels, and Rome. Jacob is crushed. Has Yassim set him up? Is he now a pawn in a murderous plot? Jacob doesn't know who he can trust. But one thing's for certain: he needs to flee Beirut - and fast. At once a moving love story and a gripping adventure, The Friend is an intelligent and urgent thriller that untangles the complexities of international politics and casts light on the dark threats facing the world today